Crown prosecutor Adam Halliday told Global News that it’s important to set an aggressive precedent with the case.

“What Canadians need to know, and what every Edmontonian needs to know, is that the Crown and law enforcement will spare no effort to make sure fentanyl sentences are given the length they deserve. And that is high sentences.”

Since there’s no basis for a fentanyl trafficking sentence, both the Crown and the defence say heroin should be used as a comparative drug.

“It’s always difficult for a lawyer to be working without a script,” said Halliday. “That’s why we’re using heroin as a comparator group for fentanyl.”

Halliday adds that the sentence needs to be heavy, to send a message to young people.

“It’s unfortunate that we see young people at their formative years wanting to become a productive member of society, trying to purchase a car or a home (that are resorting to this,)” said Halliday. “But the reality is that they need to be engaging in legal behaviours, not illegal behaviours.”

The Crown is asking for an eight year sentence.

Another man, who was arrested with Cambiazo, was given a six year sentence.

Defence lawyer Daniel Song says because Cambiazo has shown remorse, and is younger, he should get a slightly lower sentence. With files from Global News (km)